In therapeutic treatments that use energy waves, those energies must penetrate deep into the body for the most effective application. This is the ultimate difference between laser therapy and shockwave therapy, two popular non-invasive treatment options.
Dr. Allen Manison addressed this topic in depth during a recent webinar, shedding light on the nuances of both laser and StemWave therapies.
The TransformativePotential for Healing
Understanding the Technologies
Dr. Manison explains: “Laser therapy, known for its precision and efficacy, harnesses light to stimulate healing. It’s a well-established method for enhancing tissue repair and reducing inflammation,” explained Dr. Manison. “However, when we look at StemWave, we see a promising advancement with its ability to reach deeper into tissues, initiating a healing process that traditional lasers might not fully achieve.”
When we look at StemWave, we see a promising advancement with its ability to reach deeper into tissues, initiating a healing process that traditional lasers might not fully achieve.
Shockwave Compared to Cold Laser Therapy (photobiomodulation)
Clinical studies compare the efficacy of laser and StemWave therapies. Mansion explains, “Our findings indicate that for superficial tissue damage, laser therapy provides substantial relief and recovery. Yet, StemWave shows superior results in deeper, more chronic conditions by promoting a more vigorous healing response.”
What does Shockwave Therapy do differently?
Shockwave delivers high-energy acoustic waves to affected areas of the body. These waves travel through the tissue, promoting regeneration and reparative processes. The energy from the shockwaves stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms, increasing blood flow and metabolic activity around the site of pain or injury. This process accelerates the repair of damaged tissue and reduces pain, making shockwave therapy effective for deep tissue issues and chronic conditions.
Accelerates the repair of damaged tissue and reduces pain, making shockwave therapy effective for deep tissue issues and chronic conditions.
Cold Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
Cold Laser operates by using focused light at specific wavelengths to target tissues. Light absorbs into cells, triggering photochemical changes that promote the growth and repair of cells. This process, known as photobiomodulation, effectively reduces inflammation, promotes circulation, and accelerates tissue repair; making it suitable for treating various musculoskeletal conditions, like muscle strains, ligament sprains, and joint inflammation. Here is a video that provides a more in-depth look at what makes each technology Shockwave and Cold Laser beneficial for different therapeutic purposes.
Patient Testimonials and Real-world Applications
Highlighting patient experiences, Dr. Manison shared, “80% of the people who get StemWave treatment report getting 80% better from their condition in about 8 treatments.”
Some patients require less treatments for shockwave therapy. For instance, Mansion attests that patients with less serious conditions, such as a hamstring injury with a PRP injection, will need 3 or 4 sessions.
However, if there is a patient that has arthritic bone in the knee and they’re about ready to have a replacement; and their last resort is to have PRP injections, they usually end up with a combination of two injections and about 14 sessions of StemWave and then they’re typically about 90-95% better.
Combining Laser and Shockwave Therapy?
“Combining Laser and StemWave therapies can be highly effective, depending on the patient’s condition,” Dr. Manison suggested during the webinar.
Combining Laser and StemWave therapies can be highly effective, depending on the patient’s condition
“For complex cases, such as multi-layered tissue damage, a hybrid approach often yields the best results, leveraging the strengths of both technologies.”
Combining different therapeutic technologies leverages the unique strengths of each technology to address various aspects of the injury or disease, providing a comprehensive treatment that enhances recovery outcomes.
Layered Treatment Approach to Tissue Damage
Injuries like severe trauma, extensive burns, or complicated surgical recoveries often affect multiple layers of tissue; including skin, muscle, connective tissue, and bone. Each layer may require a different therapeutic approach due to its unique healing needs and characteristics.
For instance, deeper tissues might need technologies that can penetrate further without damaging surface layers, while superficial injuries might benefit from more targeted, less invasive treatments.
By addressing all layers of tissue damage effectively, a hybrid approach can significantly shorten the overall recovery time and improve the functional outcomes of treatment.
If You're Curious About Shockwave Therapy
Schedule a call with the team at StemWave to learn more about shockwave therapy and to learn how StemWave can transform your practice, increasing revenue and patient retention.
For practitioners seeking advanced healing modalities, shockwave therapy is a must because it brings an entirely different approach to treatment than laser.
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